Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper

ABSTRACT

A Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper that when filled with water, refrigerant gel, ice-forming liquid or like substance and placed over the top surface of food contents in a food container of any size, because of its slight weight, automatically molds to the shape of the food contents and to the sides of the food container. When placed in the freezer portion of a refrigerator the Wrapper freezes which effectively minimizes the ability for air to directly get in contact with the food contents and create freezer burn. The Wrapper has handles that facilitate lifting of the Wrapper out of the food container. If water is to be filled in the Wrapper then it is suggested that the Wrapper have a re-closeable tab that allows the Wrapper to be refilled. If refrigerant gel, ice-forming liquid or like substance is used then a re-closeable tab is not needed. In all the cases above the Wrapper is re-useable, watertight and lead-proof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper (Wrapper)that when filled with water, refrigerant gel, ice-forming liquid or likesubstance automatically molds and takes to the shape of the foodcontents in a food container. The Wrapper becomes solid when placed inthe freezer portion of a refrigerator to reduce the ability for air todirectly get in contact with the food contents. The water, refrigerantgel, ice-forming liquid or like substance provides a slight weight tothe Wrapper that keeps the Wrapper pressed to the contents of the foodthereby eliminating air between the food and the Wrapper. In addition,the Wrapper presses against the sides of the food container therebyrestricting air circulation.

The Wrapper can be used in any container of any size and on any type offood that would be frozen. The Wrapper is made of a thin plastic typematerial. If water is used to fill the Wrapper then the Wrapper willhave a re-closeable tab opening that allows water to be placed insidethe Wrapper, which allows it to be refilled and reused. If refrigerantgel, ice-forming liquid or like substance is used then the Wrapper wouldnot have a re-closeable tab opening as the refrigerant gel, ice-formingliquid or like substance would not have to be replaced. The Wrapper mayfreeze to an ice solid form or near-ice form when placed in the freezerportion of a refrigerator. This being an optional feature. Once water,refrigerant gel, ice-forming liquid or like substance is added to theWrapper, because of its slight weight, it automatically molds to thefood contents of the food container and the side of the food container,leaving no room for air circulation between the Wrapper and the foodcontents. The Wrapper will be dishwasher safe.

The Wrapper's purpose is to eliminate (or reduce) freezer burn, which isformed by a layer of frost and ice crystals on the top layer of foodwhen it comes into contact with air in a freezer portion of arefrigerator. Ice crystals that form on the top of frozen food cannot befully prevented; however proper wrapping of frozen foods can minimizethis effect.

To eliminate air contact with the frozen food contents in a foodcontainer, the Wrapper would rest directly on top of the frozen foodwithin the food container automatically molding to the shape of the topof the food contents and resting closely against the sides of the foodcontainer.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,480 to Baldasio discloses a Recepticle CoveringDevice that provides a means to cover ice cream in ice cream containers.Disadvantages: Receptacle Covering Device does not provide an airtightseal. Product's use is limited to ice cream in ice cream containers.

U.S. Pat. Application No. 20030190393 to Johnson discloses a FlexibleFood Seal that provides a flexible food seal for creating an airtightseal over food stored in a food storage container. Disadvantages:Flexible Food Seal does not mold to the food contents automatically.Product does not account for the situation of frozen food in a freezerportion of a refrigerator. Product has to be cut to the size of the foodcontainer. Products edges need to be physically bent to make it capableof conforming to the shape of the container to make an airtight fit.

U.S. Pat. Application No. 20040091702 and 20020081411 to Hamiltondiscloses a Storage Wrap Material that can be used to cover food.Disadvantages: Storage Wrap Material is a different product that doesnot automatically mold to the shape of the food contents. It also doesnot freeze when placed in a freezer portion of a refrigerator to addadditional freezing capabilities.

While these units ([para 5, 6 and 7]) may be suitable for the particularpurposes employed, or for general use, they would not provide the samedistinct advantages as is suitable for the purposes of the presentinvention as disclosed hereafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, thepresent invention provides an improved Re-useable Frozen FoodImpermeable Wrapper that due to its design automatically takes the shapeof the food contents in the food container, and its advantages includeease of use since it does not have to be cut to the shape or size ofeach and every sized food container. As such, the general purpose of thepresent invention, which will be described subsequently in greaterdetail, is to provide a new and improved Re-useable Frozen FoodImpermeable Wrapper, which has all the advantages of the prior art andnone of the disadvantages.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a Re-useableFrozen Food Impermeable Wrapper for use with any food container to beused in the freezer portion of a refrigerator. The Wrapper is sizedslightly larger than the inside diameter of the sidewall of a foodcontainer. The Wrapper is comprised of two equal flat portions, sideportions all around, adjoined on all sides. A hollow middle section iswhere water is placed, or refrigerant gel, ice-forming liquid or likesubstance is contained. In the case of water, a small re-closable tabopening is found on the top flat portion to allow water to be filled andemptied as needed. Alternatively, the Wrapper could contain no openingand no re-closeable tab and be pre-filled with a refrigerant gel,ice-forming liquid or a like substance, instead of water, that willmaintain its durability and allow for its re-use. In either situationthe Wrapper is re-useable.

If water is used to fill the Wrapper, the Wrapper is first filled withwater and sealed shut with the re-closeable tab opening. Similarly inthe case of refrigerant gel, ice-forming liquid or like substance. It isthen placed on top of the food in the food container to fit the topsurface of the span between the food container top opening and sidewall, leaving no space between the Wrapper flat bottom and side portionperiphery and the food container side wall and leaving no space betweenthe food contents and the Wrapper.

The effect of the water (unfrozen) and the permeable nature of theWrapper is to mold its shape automatically to the food contents in thefood container, thereby eliminating virtually all air between theWrapper and the food contents. After a time period in the freezerportion of the refrigerator, the water in the Wrapper will freeze,forming a solid block of ice over the food contents, providing reducedair contact with the food and giving the Wrapper the ability to maintainits shape, and adding prolonged and enhanced freezing capabilities.

The re-closeable tab and opening, in addition to allowing the Wrapper tobe filled with water, can be shaped in such a way as to assist a user(person) in lifting the Wrapper out of the food container when access toits contents is desired. Alternatively, in addition to the re-closeabletab and opening the Wrapper may contain one or more molded handles onthe top of the Wrapper, that enable a person to easily remove theWrapper from the food container.

In the case of water used as the filler for the Wrapper. After use theWrapper can be left out of the refrigerator until it thaws, at whichtime the defrosted water can be removed. The Wrapper can then be washedif needed, stored flat and reused by refilling it with fresh water.

More than one re-closeable tab opening separated by dividers (to makecompartments) to keep the water, refrigerant gel, ice-forming liquid orlike substance from being displaced too much to one or either side ofthe Wrapper, for larger food containers may be incorporated into theWrapper's design. The number of compartments and re-closeable tabopenings is dependent on the sizes of the Wrappers and food containers,and will be formulated to various sizes to ensure that the Wrapperprovides sufficient coverage over the food contents in the most standardsized personal and commercially used food containers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a Wrapper thatreduces the amount of air circulation within the food container in orderto reduce freezer burn on the food contents in the food container.Accordingly, the Wrapper will be sized to fit within the food containerno matter its size, even if portions of the food are removed,maintaining a tight fit between the Wrapper and the food contentsthereby eliminating air circulation. The water, refrigerant gel,ice-forming liquid or like substance help alter the size of the Wrapperautomatically.

The present invention will be constructed of a flexible plastic slightlythicker and more durable than plastic wrap. The Wrapper portion that isin contact with the food contents may be made of or coated with anon-stick material so that the food contents do not stick to the Wrapperduring the freezing process in the freezer portion of the refrigerator.The Wrapper may be made of a transparent plastic material so that foodcontents can be seen through it. The Wrapper will be sold in varioussizes to fit the typical shapes of food containers. The Wrapper can beplaced over any type of food solid or liquid form in the food container.

An advantage of the present invention is that it may be used to preserveand prolong the life of all types of food that are to be frozen in thefreezer portion of a refrigerator and in all types of food storagecontainers, including the original jars or containers in which the foodwas purchased, plastic or glass or other types of food storagecontainers kept in the home, bowls or glasses or dishes in which foodmay be stored, or any other type of container that will hold food.

A major advantage of the present invention is that the Wrapperautomatically conforms or molds to the shape of the food container andthe food contents.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention maybe embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of theinvention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals.The drawings are briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Re-useable Frozen Food ImpermeableWrapper installed in a rectangular food container, illustrating theclose contact with the food contents, lifting handles, re-closable tabsand divider. In addition, the edges and bottom portion of the Wrapperare shown conforming to the food contents and side edges of the foodcontainer, after the Wrapper is filled with water.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the Re-useable Frozen Food ImpermeableWrapper installed in a circular food container, illustrating the closecontact with the food contents, lifting handles, and re-closable tab. Inaddition, the edges and bottom portion of the Wrapper are shownconforming to the food contents and side edges of the food container,after the Wrapper is filled.

FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view of the Re-useable Frozen FoodImpermeable Wrapper, after it is filled with water, and is ready to beinstalled partway down the food container after the food contents arepartially consumed from the food container.

FIG. 4 is a side cross sectional view of the Re-useable Frozen FoodImpermeable Wrapper as it might be installed after the food contents arepartially consumed from the food container. The Re-useable Frozen FoodImpermeable Wrapper is placed on the top surface of the food contents ina food container after the Wrapper is filled with water through there-closeable tab opening.

FIG. 5 is a side cross sectional view of the Re-useable Frozen FoodImpermeable Wrapper that does not have a re-closeable tab or opening,but that is filled with a refrigerant gel, ice-forming liquid or likesubstance. Wrapper also shows handles that may or may not be a part ofthe Wrappers final commercial design.

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view of the Re-useable Frozen FoodImpermeable Wrapper that has a re-closeable tab that also has a handlethat can be used to help with lifting the Wrapper out of the foodcontainer when a user desires to access the food contents.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a re-closeable tab with the handle shown bentdown flat with the re-closeable tab. The handle would lift up as needed.

FIG. 8 is a side cross sectional view of the Re-useable Frozen FoodImpermeable Wrapper that has a side-to-side handle (joined on either endof the Wrapper). More than one of these handles on any one Wrapper maybe contemplated or needed to facilitate lifting of the frozen Wrapperout of the food container.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   10 food container (rectangular or square)    -   12 food container (circular)    -   20 Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper    -   30 handles    -   32 side-to-side handle    -   40 water    -   42 refrigerant gel, ice-forming liquid or like substance    -   50 re-closeable tab    -   51 re-closeable tab opening    -   60 divider    -   70 food contents

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates the Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper 20installed partway down the food container 10 after the food is partiallygone from the food container. It should be noted that a variety of sizesand shapes might be employed according to the size and shape of the foodcontainer 10 in which the Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper 20is to be used. By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates the Re-useableFrozen Food Impermeable Wrapper 20 installed partway down a circularfood container 12.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show how the Re-useable Frozen Food ImpermeableWrapper 20 molds to the shape of the food contents 70.

FIG. 1 shows the Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper 20 designedwith a divider 60 and more than one re-closeable tab 50. The purpose ofthe divider 60 is to keep the water 40 (or refrigerant gel, ice-formingliquid 42 or like substance) within the Re-useable Frozen FoodImpermeable Wrapper 20 from being displaced too much to one or eitherside within large food containers.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the handles 30 that are used to lift theRe-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper 20 out of the food containers10 and 12.

While the Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper 20 may beconstructed from a variety of materials, it is preferably constructedfrom a plastic material. The plastic material must have a degree offlexibility to allow the Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper 20to mold to the food contents and rest against the sidewalls of the foodcontainer 10 or 12 and also remain watertight and leak proof.

In conclusion, herein is presented a Re-useable Frozen Food ImpermeableWrapper 20 with main purpose of reducing freezer burn of the foodcontents 70 during storage in a freezer portion of a refrigerator. Theinvention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, andthroughout the written description. It should be understood thatnumerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventiveconcept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A Re-useable Frozen Food Impermeable Wrapper(Wrapper) that automatically molds and forms to the shape of foodcontents in a food container once placed on top of the food contents.The Wrapper also conforms to the sides of the food container. Once thecontainer and Wrapper are placed in the freezer portion of arefrigerator the Wrapper becomes solid (solidifies to ice or near iceform) which reduces the amount of air that comes in contact with thefood contents in the food container.
 2. The Wrapper of claim 1 is formedfrom an impermeable material, such as thin plastic material that iscapable of allowing its base (bottom flat portion) to mold and conformto the shape upon which it rests, in this case food contents in a foodcontainer. In addition it creates an airtight seal against the sides ofthe food container to which it is in contact with. Water, refrigerantgel, ice-forming liquid or like substance when added to the Wrapper,creates a slight weight that makes it mold and conform to the shape ofthe food contents in the food container.
 3. The Wrapper of claim 1 ismade watertight so that once filled its contents does not leak onto thefood contents in the food container.
 4. The Wrapper of claim 1 has oneor more dividers to enable its effective usage in large food containers.Depending on the food container size, the Wrapper of claim 1 may have nodivider.
 5. The Wrapper of claim 1 has one or more handles to enable itto be easily removed from the food container. Various types of handlesare contemplated, including smaller individual handles wherein a usercan slip their fingers to grasp the Wrapper, or side-to-side handleswherein a user can grasp the handles with more than one finger.
 6. TheWrapper of claim 1 can be placed at any level in the food container. 7.The Wrapper of claim 1, wherein the food container is in the shape of arectangle, circle, square, oval, triangle or other shape.
 8. The Wrapperof claim 1 will have a depth (height from top portion to bottom portion)that may vary anywhere from more than 1 millimeter to as much as a fewinches, depending on the size of the container and type of foodcontents.